Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with family, eat good food, and exchange gifts with those you love. In the 21st century, exchanging gifts have become the focus of the holiday, meaning Christmas can feel more like keeping up with the Jones’ than what is intended of the holiday. Adding in the cost of all the other festivities, the holiday season can become an expensive one.
With economic uncertainty and inflationary prices, we at Credit Union of Denver want to give you some creative solutions that allow you to enjoy the holiday while saving money.
DIY Gifts
Homemade gifts can excite those receiving them as much or more than store bought ones if you follow a few simple rules:
- Pay attention to the details
- Create something useful
- Align with their interests
By creating a gift that follows these rules you make something that is meaningful but high quality. Whether it be a baked good, pottery or painted piece of art, your loved one is sure to appreciate your skill and thoughtfulness.
Make the Sides
With Thanksgiving and Christmas, food is a big part of the holiday. Buying premade sides like Panera Bread soup or Stouffer’s mashed potatoes is more expensive and less healthy compared to making them from scratch.
There are countless online recipes and guides that will help you craft delicious sides that are fresh, without the unnecessary ingredients found in prepackaged food. By being selective where you buy ingredients and buying in bulk, you will keep costs down while impressing friends and family with your culinary skills.
Drive Instead of Fly
While not a new idea and depending on when you travel and how many people you travel with, it may not be appropriate. Driving in December is most likely the cheapest way to travel as gas prices continue to fall. With the national average falling below $3, road trips are less expensive than they have been in a long time. Likewise, since this is such a popular time to travel, airports are congested, backlogged and flights priced sky-high.
If you are travelling with kids, road trips can be memorable for them and you. If you are not, road trips can be relaxing and an opportunity to connect with a partner or even call an old friend. Additionally, once you reach your destination, you will not have to borrow or rent a car to get around! This year, choose the open road and your loved ones and your bank account will thank you.